One of the more popular tracks within the Kāpiti region, the Waikanae River Trail offers something for walkers, runners, horse riders, or bikers. There are also plenty of safe and shallow swimming areas if you want a dip to cool off.
Following the river from Otaihanga to Waikanae, it’s an easy track that can be completed in small sections or all together. If you choose to walk the full 9km loop, it takes about 2.5 hours to complete.
Covering 30 hectares of native forest, Hemi Matenga Scenic Reserve is one of the largest remaining areas of kohekohe forest in New Zealand. Forming part of an ecosystem network that links Kapiti Island with the Tararua Range, the reserve offers sweeping views of The Kāpiti Coast and Waikanae Estuary.
There are numerous walking and tramping tracks of various lengths and difficulty, including the easy Kohekohe Walk (30min loop), the steep bush-walk, Parata Track (1 to 2 hours return), or the more challenging tramping track, Te Au Track (2 to 4 hours return).
Get away from the city for one of the best trails Wellington has to offer. Dubbed “Stairway to Heaven,” the Escarpment Track zigs and zags above State Highway 1 with its challenging but rewarding 1,200 steps.
Running between Paekākāriki and Pukerua Bay, it offers a unique trail experience in the form of swing bridges and spectacular views of Kapiti Island. Pack the essentials and make a day of this 9km track. The steps are steep and not recommended for those with vertigo, but the views make it an experience to remember.
The 35km trail is popular with walkers, runners, cyclists and horse riders and features dunes, wetlands, bridges, tunnels, tram crossings and underpasses.
From Coast 35, you can access the Waikanae and Ōtaki River trails and local roads. You can divert to Ngā Manu Nature Reserve in Waikanae, Southwards Car Museum at Otaihanga or the Tote Modern in Ōtaki. Or pay a visit to a cafe in Paekākāriki, Harrisons Garden World café in Peka Peka and Ruth Pretty’s Garden Café in Te Horo.
This coastal track winds through sand dunes between Paekākāriki and Raumati South. The sea, inland hills, and Kapiti Island will be a constant companion. On a clear day, you can see as far south as the South Island and north to Mount Ruapehu and Mount Taranaki.
The well-maintained wide track is sign-posted. Keep an eye out for the birds commonly seen in the coastal habitat, including tūī, wax eye, fantail, goldfinch, yellowhammer, oystercatchers, and the more exotic white-faced heron.
Follow the banks of the Ōtaki River on this popular walking and mountain biking trail, offering views of the coastline, river, and the Tararua Range.
Generally considered an easy route, the gravel track starts from the river mouth at Ōtaki beachfront and continues past State Highway 1 all the way to a lagoon at Chrystalls Bend Walkway. This track is for all fitness levels and is perfect for the whole family to enjoy.